It’s that time of the month again – the girl you know as Triple D or DDD or Designer Dupes Detective (or just plain old Annie if you like) is back with a whole load of money saving goodness. Martin Lewis, watch out.
This month, the dupe-gods have blessed us with the most beautiful bargains and I apologise in advance to your soon-to-be empty bank account (Martin I lied, you have absolutely nothing to worry about).
Having kept my eye on the latest trending-yet-ever-so-out-of-reach designer products by scouring the ‘New In’ sections of Revolve and Net-A-Porter, while checking out my favourite designer-clad influencers, I knew exactly what items I wanted to get my hands on this season, but for a fraction of the price, obviously.
And so, the search began. As always, I turned to my best friend Google – you might know her? – and did all the hard work for you, scouting out the best deals from the deep dark depths of H&M, Mango and the like…
The Jacquemus cardigan
Starting off incredibly strong, H&M has been doing God’s work as always and blessed us with this absolute *chefs kiss* of a cardi.
Jacquemus is the designer of the moment, and whilJust st its items may not be as extortionately priced as the likes of Balenciaga or Gucci, spending £265 on a cardi probably isn’t on your to-do list for this month.
This £17.99 dupe is the perfect alternative (plus it has added diamantes, and who doesn’t love a little sparkle).
The Miaou co-ord
Miaou only came onto my radar earlier this year (furious no one told me about the brand sooner). But after discovering its nostalgic 90s-style designs, I rented one of their tops during my trip to Ibiza and felt like the world’s coolest fashionista.
However, once again the price tag of their pieces are just not giving what we want them to be giving. So, for all you micro mini skirt loving girls out there who would rather spend £500+ on a holiday than on a teeny tiny co-ord, PLT (it’s a one-off, promise) have supplied us with the goods.
The Celine bracelet
I mentioned in my last designer dupes column that often just the addition of a single designer item can elevate your outfit to a whole new level. And sometimes that item can be as small as a gold bangle.
A Celine knot bangle to be specific. With a price tag of £335 however, it’s around £300 over my budget, and I’m not going to be finding that spare change down the side of my sofa any time soon.
But no need to fret, Mango has created a pretty much exact replica for less than 4% of the price – *insert the ‘no one will ever know’ TikTok sound*.
The Versace platforms
Everyone say hello to the shoe of the hour: the Versace platform. My 16-year-old, 7inch Topshop platform wearing self would’ve sold my family to the devil for these heels. They fill my Barbie-core loving heart with joy.
In my humble opinion, any girl who is willing to break their neck, back, both legs and likely also their arms in the name of fashion, is a girl who deserves to know about a good dupe.
So deserving in fact that I’ve included two – you have Ego and NA-KD to thank for these beauties.
The Miu Miu skirt
This iconic Miu Miu mini is a classic case of my ever-so-fickle mind going from ‘omg who in their right mind would ever wear this (Trigger Warning: Gag-worthy words incoming) chino, low-waisted, mini skirt’ to ‘omg please bestie Google help me find an affordable version before I spontaneously combust from sheer longing’.
And once again, I had to look no further than trusty old H&M for that designer dupes dopamine hit.
This skirt is the perfect transitional piece, and as soon as payday finally comes around it will most definitely be getting added to my basket.
The Khaite top
I don’t think there is a classier piece of knitwear than this Khaite ribbed knit sweater for autumn. It just screams elegance in a way that no other top will ever be able to achieve.
Every year I lust over its sweetheart neckline, gorgeous ribbed material and knuckle grazing sleeves and this year, I must have been really well behaved, as my prayers have once again been answered by H&M. The brand has created their own version for all us regular Joe’s to enjoy.
The Skims t-shirt
Whilst I’m not one to rave about celebrity brands, there’s just something about Skims which elevates it above the rest.
A good quality, staple t-shirt that will last you the test of time and which you can comfortably go out in with no bra on (without worrying about having your nips to the wind) is very rare indeed. But Skims manages to achieve it.
However, splurging £48 on a t-shirt isn’t for everyone. That’s where this Adanola beauty comes in. Whilst it’s not a huge price drop at £32.99, the quality is equally as impressive, and your boobies will be well and truly held in place. Also, it’s technically a gym top so for all you exercise-loving girls (myself most definitely not included), you’re basically getting two for the price of one.
The Balenciaga Triple S trainers
This pair of trainers has created a divide like no other. No political alignment related drama can compare. The conflict caused by Brexit is child’s play compared to the sheer clash of opinions caused by these trainers. They’ll have your friend telling you how stylish you look one minute, and your partner telling you you’re giving them the ick the next.
But to me, whilst these trainers are no longer new or ground-breaking, there is no look cooler and more effortless than sticking these on with a pair of cycling shorts, an oversized tee and some ankle socks.
If you’d rather not spend north of £800 on potentially WW3 causing trainers however, Axel Arigato has a slightly more streamlined pair up for grabs at a fraction of the price – and your partner might even still fancy you when you wear them.
The Balenciaga earrings
More Balenciaga designer dupes goodness this way. This time round however, the item I’m fawning over is far less divisive. I’m a sucker for a pair of gold earrings, and these chunky gold Balenciaga hoops are no exception.
However, if you’d rather spend your cash somewhere other than on your ears, you can buy yourself one of these cute dupes from Lucky Eleven or Rachel Jackson. That way you can even buy them with your own initial on. Cute, right?
The Ganni jeans
Last but most definitely not least, it’s time to live your best Candyman life and get your hands on these pink and white striped beauties.
The original pair of jeans by Ganni are pretty much impossible to get your hands on now – even their £215 price tag didn’t deter people so that’s how you know they must be good.
Controversially however, I think I may like the Mango designer dupes more. The full-length straight leg cut of them is so flattering, whilst the curved, balloon leg cut of the Ganni pair are verging on Coco The Clown. Sorry, Ganni, but the dupe wins for me.
Read more about the best dupes: I’m a pro at finding designer dupes – here are my top picks for the new season